Templewalk

There are many more temples in Onomichi than a town of its small size would be expected to have. This density of temples has become one of Onomichi's main tourist attractions, and there is a designated walking route in the downtown area called the Temple Walk that connects 25 of them.

The Temple Walk route is about two and a half kilometers long, and can take anywhere from an hour to half a day depending on how much time is spent at each temple. A whole day can be spent if visitors also stop at the other attractions along the way.

The temples of Onomichi are quite pleasant, even if none are breathtaking. Most of them are quite small, although there are a few that have multiple buildings, and a couple that have pagodas. The Temple Walk is marked quite well, but it should be noted that many of the temples can only be reached by diverting off the route a little bit.

A temple along the Temple Walk

In addition to exposing visitors to the town's temples, the Temple Walk also leads through the narrow lanes of Onomichi's residential areas, passing by small shops, houses and schools. It also takes visitors up and down some of Onomichi's slopes, which afford attractive views onto the town below and the neighboring island.

Along the route, tourists will pass some sights related to Onomichi's artistic achievements, including a Literature Museum, the former residences of two prominent authors, and a "literature path" that is marked by rocks inscribed with poems. The Motion Picture Museum can also be reached as a diversion from the Temple Walk.

The view of Onomichi from the Senkoji Observation Platform

One of Onomichi's temples has given its name to a prominent public park, Senkoji Park, that is situated at the peak of a large hill. The park can be reached by foot, but there is also a ropeway available for visitors who would prefer not to walk up the slope. In addition to Senkoji Temple, the Onomichi City Art Museum can also be found within the park. The museum was designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Ando Tadao, and features temporary exhibitions, which vary widely in theme and period.

As one of the highest points in Onomichi, Senkoji Park affords some great views over the town. The best place to get a view is from the Senkoji Observation Platform, which is free to enter. The park is especially attractive during the cherry blossom season, which usually takes place in late March and early April, as it is considered one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots.

How to get there

On October 1, 2019, Japan's consumption tax increased from 8% to 10%. The prices shown below have not been updated yet for possible changes.

The Temple Walk begins just north of the first bridge that crosses over the train tracks east of Onomichi Station, about 200 meters away.

If taking the Skip Line loop bus, the ropeway is located at the Nagae-guchi bus stop, the Literature Museum and author residences are located a five minute walk from the Watashiba-dori bus stop, and the Motion Picture Museum is located at the Shiyakusho-mae bus stop. At the eastern end of the Temple Walk is the Jodoji-shita bus stop, near Jodoji Temple.

A taxi ride from Onomichi Station to the far end of the Temple Walk takes a couple minutes and costs around 800 yen. Taxis are readily available in front of Onomichi Station, but may difficult to catch from the opposite end of the Temple Walk.

Hours:Literature Museum and author residences10:00 to 16:00 (entry until 15:30)Onomichi City Museum of Art9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)Onomichi Motion Picture Museum10:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)

Admission: Literature Museum and author residences300 yen for all three buildingsOnomichi City Museum of ArtVaries according to exhibitionsOnomichi Motion Picture Museum500 yen

Closed:Literature Museum and author residencesTuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)December 28 to January 3Onomichi City Museum of ArtMondays (unless Monday is a national holiday)December 29 to January 3Onomichi Motion Picture MuseumTuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)New Year holidays

Reservations & Services

JAL Japan Explorer Pass

JAL Japan Explorer Pass is a simple and low cost fare for travelers wishing to explore the unique culture and feel of local Japan. The fare can be used to access over 30 cities across JAL’s domestic network.